Changing times. Review on Noida

NOIDA stands for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority. It is a satellite town in National Capital Region. NOIDA was initially part of District Ghaziabad. It was made a separate district by name of Gautam Buddh Nagar under Behan Mayawati, who was on splitting and renaming spree during her tenure as CM of Uttar Pradesh.

In its early days NOIDA was more of industrial area than a residential one. It homed mainly manufacturing units. In early 90’s, people started looking for other options when Delhi’s real estate prices shot skywards, and then NOIDA and Gurgaon came up as potential pockets. With the advent of many known software firms, NOIDA further accelerated as a potential residential area. Sector 16 saw development of Filmcity with names like Eagle productions setting up a studio. Big sprawling lawns with many theme fountains adorned Kalindi Kunj near Okhla barrage.

Though it provided less real estate rates, open space, less pollution as compared to Delhi, NOIDA was still facing a big problem of connectivity to Delhi. Traffic jams were very common on Nizamuddin Bridge which was a major bottleneck, and the only other bridge across Yamuna was at Okhla Barrage, which connected Noida to Sarita Vihar. This increased average traveling time for daily commuters. In late 90’s DND (Delhi Noida Direct) flyway was inaugurated, and it gave a whole new meaning to people commuting between Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad. It connected Sector 16 to Ashram. This acted as catalyst to establishment of many new firms, housing colonies, and suddenly NOIDA found an esteemed place in the NCR map.

Shopping in NOIDA became more fun with shopping majors setting up their outlets in Sector 18. Ebony, Sab Mall, Ritu Wears and many brand outlets are there to indulge yourself. If you want to be a little economical, then check out small shops in Atta Market, right across the road. You will get a decent bargain and good quality stuff. All you need is patience and eye for good deal there. A number of good book stores like Teksons, Crossword, Galgotia’s are there for the book lovers.

For bridal wears, check out Amrita Studio’s in Sector 5. It is factory outlet of Chabbra and Sons. They have got a good collection of sarees and lehngas.

Eating out was never so great in NOIDA with only 1 or 2 options. But now Sector 18 is swarming with eating joints. Try Chinese at Fortune Cookies and Wok Express, Punjabi food at Punjabi By Nature, North Indian food at Sanjeev Kapoor’s Yellow Chilli, Lavanya and Doosri Manzil, Goan cuisine at Masala Express, quick bites at Rameshwar’s. Besides this, well known hangouts like Pizza hut, Café Coffee day, Barista, Nirula’s, Mc Donalds, Dominoe’s(for takeaway), you name it and you have it in Sector 18 Market. Check out mouth watering ice creams and sundaes at Nirula’s 21. While you are there, check out the Kathi roll guy who sits right opposite Mc Donald’s. His rolls sell like hot cakes and are amazingly tasty. Hot Breads serves some amazing breads and pastries. Chinese is also served at Bercos Garden, which is one of the well known older names for Chinese food.

Last year saw further growth in terms of malls and Centre Stage Mall was inaugurated. It houses names like Ruby Tuesday. A new multiplex was opened by Shipra group by the name of Waves. Radisson opened its hotel adding another feather to Sector-18’s cap. Radisson is first 5 star hotel that NOIDA can boast of.

There are plans to construct an Appu Ghar and a theme park. An expressway is coming up in Greater NOIDA, which will connect NOIDA to Agra. This will be called The Taj Expressway.

NOIDA has many good schools like – DPS, Army public school, Amity.

NOIDA’s main industrial belt is NEPZ(Noida Export Processing Zone). Greater NOIDA is also coming up very fast.

Today NOIDA is home to software companies like – CSC, Patni, HCL, ST Microelectronics, Adobe, Rsystems, TeleAtlas, Tata Infotech, TCS, Birlasoft.

I have spent few very good days there when I was living in Ghaziabad and working in Delhi. Noida used to be my frequent halt while returning from work. Now that I am away from home, I miss my evenings out with my friends and family at Noida.